Code Alert: Oklahoma, 18 July 2011

All local jurisdictions in Oklahoma that issue permits, inspect, and control the construction of 1 and 2 family dwellings are required as of Friday, July 15, 2011 to begin enforcement of the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) as the minimum construction standard. This includes all building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, and other work. This requirement is a direct result of the work accomplished by the newly appointed Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission. The following information was just released with this and other information concerning all amendments to the 2009 IRC adopted by state statute to be found on the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission web site http://ok.gov/oubcc/ or by telephone at (405) 271-1595.

Below is part of the Oklahoma law that adopted the 2009 IRC and also the intent of the adoption. Also included below are the electrical installation amendments as adopted that revises certain electrical installation requirements in Part VIII, Chapters 33-42 of the 2009 IRC.

748:20-5-1. Adoption of IRC 2009The Uniform Building Code Commission hereby adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 as amended and modified in this Subchapter to be the minimum standards for residential construction within the State of Oklahoma for one and two family dwellings and townhouses pursuant to 59 O.S. 1000.23.

748:20-5-2. Effect of AdoptionThe International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, as amended and revised by these rules, are hereby established and adopted as the statewide minimum standards for residential building construction for one and two family dwellings and townhouses in Oklahoma pursuant to 59 O.S. 1000.23, and may only be amended or altered by other jurisdictions pursuant to Oklahoma law and the administrative rules of the Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission as set forth in Title 748, Chapter 15 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code.

(1) Section E3402.2 Penetrations of fire-resistance-rated assemblies. This section has been modified to correct the reference section cited from R317.3 to R302.4.1. It has been modified to read: Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Electrical penetrations through fire-resistance rated walls, partitions, floors or ceilings shall be protected by approved methods to maintain the fire-resistance-rating of 9 the element penetrated. Penetrations of fire-resistance-rated walls shall be limited as specified in Section R302.4.1.

(2) Section 3403.3 Listing and labeling. This section has been modified to comply with NFPA 70. It has been modified to read: Electrical materials, components, devices, fixtures and equipment shall be listed for the application, in accordance with NFPA 70, shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall be installed, and used, or both, in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions.

748:20-5-23. IRC 2009 Chapter 40 Devices and LuminariesChapter 40 is adopted with modifications as follows: Section E4002.14 Tamper-resistant receptacles. This section has been modified to include the following exceptions: Receptacles in the following locations shall not be required to be tamper-resistant:(1) Receptacles located more than 5 1/2 feet (1.7m) above the floor.(2) Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance.(3)A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug connected.(4) Non-grounding receptacles used for replacement.